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Published on February 27, 2008

They are Central Bang Na, Central Pinklao and Central Lat Phrao.

The move is aimed at attracting the upper-market segment of shoppers.

Piyawan Leelasompop, vice president for marketing, said the company would invest about Bt600 million this year to upgrade two stores: Central Bang Na and Central Pinklao.

Central Lat Phrao will begin renovations once its lease from the State Railway of Thailand has been extended.

Piyawan said more branded shops would be added to the store complexes, including the Muji lifestyle shop and Build-a-Bear Workshop. Renovations will be completed next year.

Central has also set an optimistic target of Bt27.5 billion in sales this year. The expected revenue will include that from new branches like on Chaeng Wattana Road, which will cost Bt1.5 billion and open in December. That sales target represents a 7.84-per-cent rise from last year's Bt25.5 billion.

"Our sales in January and February rose 17 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, year on year," said Piyawan.

Central's Midnight Sale campaign runs until Sunday. The five-day event is expected to generate Bt600 million.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation